New app helps restaurants turn iPads into ordering kiosks

May 24, 2012

A new self-serve ordering app from Granbury Restaurant Solutions allows guests to place orders via iPads that can be mounted as a self-service kiosk near the front counter or on tables. The app empowers consumers to complete the entire ordering process, including secure, encrypted credit card payment, promoting along the way with suggestive upsells and add-ons, Larry O'Connor, GRS development manager, said in a company press release.

"What really sets this app apart is the seamless integration through to the rest of the technology in the restaurant," he said. "Unlike many developers who are coming to the industry with just a stand-alone iPad app, GRS offers full integration to our several point-of-sale systems so that orders flow through the operation as seamlessly as those taken by staff at the counter. Also, the look and feel of the app matches that of the restaurant's online ordering and smartphone ordering solutions, for a consistent consumer experience across the brand."

Aladino's Pizza in Antioch, Calif., is using the app so customers won't have to wait in long lines.

"They can get more involved in their order, specifying exactly how they want their pizza," said Aladino's Pizza owner Matthew Fosenberg. "Our target market customer already has a smartphone and find the easy, graphical interface of the kiosk to be very convenient to use. Plus, it frees up our staff to spend more time concentrating on food prep, so we can make sure the food is perfect."